# Miraculously Turn Your Child's Behavior Around in One Minute
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miraculously-turn-your-childs-behavior-around-in-one-minute/483075
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [January 26, 2009, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miraculously-turn-your-childs-behavior-around-in-one-minute/483075 "2009-01-26T17:27:53Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)
#### Post date: [January 26, 2009, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miraculously-turn-your-childs-behavior-around-in-one-minute/483075/1 "2009-01-26T17:27:53Z")
I’ve heard ads on the local radio for some “program” that supposedly turns around your child’s behavior almost instantly.
Has anyone bought into this program? I have no kids, so I have no iron in this fire, but I’m curious as to what is the general basis on which someone claims they can turn around a child’s behavior so quickly.
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### Author:  [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)
#### Post date: [January 26, 2009, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miraculously-turn-your-childs-behavior-around-in-one-minute/483075/2 "2009-01-26T17:49:27Z")
My immediate reaction is similar to Scott Adams’s reaction to miracle wight loss cures; if it works the way they’re describing, why would they even need to advertise?
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### Author:  [@Raygun99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raygun99)
#### Post date: [January 26, 2009, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miraculously-turn-your-childs-behavior-around-in-one-minute/483075/3 "2009-01-26T17:53:50Z")
The way these ads sound, it feels like they could be translated as “Does your child have a personality? We can fix that.”
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### Author:  [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)
#### Post date: [January 26, 2009, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miraculously-turn-your-childs-behavior-around-in-one-minute/483075/4 "2009-01-26T18:11:43Z")
Probably one sheet of paper telling you to smack the kid upside the head.
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### Author:  [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)
#### Post date: [January 26, 2009, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miraculously-turn-your-childs-behavior-around-in-one-minute/483075/5 "2009-01-26T18:25:27Z")
I wonder if it is some variant of the One Minute Manager, but for parents.
Changing parents is often-but-not-always the first step in changing children - maybe they mean that you change your attitude and then everything looks different.
Or maybe it is an ad for an inpatient program of some sort.
Regards,
Shodan
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### Author:  [@Anne\_Neville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anne_Neville)
#### Post date: [January 26, 2009, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miraculously-turn-your-childs-behavior-around-in-one-minute/483075/6 "2009-01-26T18:26:22Z")
Nuking the kid from orbit would be a pretty fast and effective way to eliminate any negative behavior.
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### Author:  [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)
#### Post date: [January 26, 2009, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miraculously-turn-your-childs-behavior-around-in-one-minute/483075/7 "2009-01-26T18:30:34Z")
> [@Shodan](#):
>
> Or maybe it is an ad for an inpatient program of some sort.
A one-minute inpatient program? :dubious:
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### Author:  [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)
#### Post date: [January 26, 2009, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miraculously-turn-your-childs-behavior-around-in-one-minute/483075/8 "2009-01-26T18:33:31Z")
The “program” is just a shoddy tranquilizer gun.
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### Author:  [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)
#### Post date: [January 26, 2009, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miraculously-turn-your-childs-behavior-around-in-one-minute/483075/9 "2009-01-26T19:53:34Z")
> [@MsWhatsit](#):
>
> A one-minute inpatient program? :dubious:
Wouldn’t be any more stupid than all those Enzyte and Maxoderm commercials.
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### Author:  [@DrCube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrCube)
#### Post date: [January 26, 2009, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miraculously-turn-your-childs-behavior-around-in-one-minute/483075/10 "2009-01-26T20:22:53Z")
Is it anything like those exercise devices on tv that advertise “5 minutes is all you need to lose 5 or more inches off your waist!!!”? – but they really mean 5 minutes a day minimum, plus dieting, will eventually (if you’re lucky and work hard at it) help you lose weight?
Perhaps this device has small print, like thus:
Turn your child’s behavior around in one minute!!!\*
\*program must be followed precisely, one minute per hour, every hour, for a minimum of five consecutive years. Results may vary. Offer void where prohibited.
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### Author:  [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)
#### Post date: [January 26, 2009, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miraculously-turn-your-childs-behavior-around-in-one-minute/483075/11 "2009-01-26T20:23:26Z")
When I was at the child-rearing age (back in the 60s), spanking was still considered normal. My daughter was never spanked since her behavior was so exemplary. Not so my son who came along 17 months later. It seemed that the more we said “No!” (e.g. don’t put your finger in the electric socket) the more he wanted to do it. We spanked him. It got so we were spanking him every day. One day, I said to my wife, "No, we are not accomplishing anything and we just stopped. I won’t say it was a one-cure, but quite suddenly his behavior dramatically improved. His brother who came along later was never spanked. They are, all three, delightful adults.
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### Author:  [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)
#### Post date: [January 26, 2009, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miraculously-turn-your-childs-behavior-around-in-one-minute/483075/12 "2009-01-26T20:57:08Z")
> [@DrCube](#):
>
> Is it anything like those exercise devices on tv that advertise “5 minutes is all you need to lose 5 or more inches off your waist!!!”? – but they really mean 5 minutes a day minimum, plus dieting, will eventually (if you’re lucky and work hard at it) help you lose weight?
>
> Perhaps this device has small print, like thus:
>
> Turn your child’s behavior around in one minute!!!\*
>
> \*program must be followed precisely, one minute per hour, every hour, for a minimum of five consecutive years. Results may vary. Offer void where prohibited.
That’s what I’m thinking it is. Some sort of 1-minute discipline technique. Each time the kid acts out you must use their technique that only takes 1-minute.
Do it enough time and they promise your kid will change.
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### Author:  [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)
#### Post date: [January 26, 2009, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miraculously-turn-your-childs-behavior-around-in-one-minute/483075/13 "2009-01-26T21:08:48Z")
> [@Q.E.D](#):
>
> Wouldn’t be any more stupid than all those Enzyte and Maxoderm commercials.
There’s a slogan: “Like Enzyte, but for kids!”
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### Author:  [@Gus\_Gusterson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gus_Gusterson)
#### Post date: [January 26, 2009, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miraculously-turn-your-childs-behavior-around-in-one-minute/483075/14 "2009-01-26T21:29:36Z")
The ads I hear in my local radio market (Boston) are for [The Total Transformation Program](http://www.thetotaltransformation.com/). From what I’ve been able to find, the basic premise is “You, the parent, are in charge. Tell the kid what to do and don’t take any shit.” It sounds like old school parenting without hitting.
The reviews I’ve found make very clear that it is not the instant cure that the ads claim. If you are successful with the program you apparently reach the point where your child understands that he’s not going to win any battles with you and he stops fighting. The program gives you phrases and scripts to use. There is apparently a ten-word sentence that will get the kid to stop talking back instantly. (“I’m gonna rip off your head and shit down your neck.” Eleven words - that’s not it. I’ll keep looking.)
Here’s an excerpt from one review:
> [@](#):
>
> You have to assume parental control. You need to give simple directions and quit asking your kids to do things. You tell them to do their homework versus asking them. You have to disconnect when disrespect occurs. When the scream starts, you walk away. There is no reasoning with your children. You are the boss (and there are scripts in the workbook that you can use). You need to lessen the stimulation in their lives. Give positive feedback when appropriate. If they do good, tell them. You can’t just be on their butts about all the negative behavior. You need to show them that good behavior gets them a much better response.
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### Author:  [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)
#### Post date: [January 26, 2009, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miraculously-turn-your-childs-behavior-around-in-one-minute/483075/15 "2009-01-26T22:35:43Z")
> [@Gus\_Gusterson](#):
>
> The ads I hear in my local radio market (Boston) are for [The Total Transformation Program](http://www.thetotaltransformation.com/).
>
> Here’s an excerpt from one review:You have to assume parental control. You need to give simple directions and quit asking your kids to do things. You tell them to do their homework versus asking them. You have to disconnect when disrespect occurs. When the scream starts, you walk away. There is no reasoning with your children. You are the boss (and there are scripts in the workbook that you can use). You need to lessen the stimulation in their lives. Give positive feedback when appropriate. If they do good, tell them. You can’t just be on their butts about all the negative behavior. You need to show them that good behavior gets them a much better response.
OK, I dont see a problem with the program … the way I look at things most people popping kids out have issues disciplining the kids. I see kids getting away with stuff that my brother and I would have never even been able to think of doing. Backtalk my parents or nanny? I _dont_ think so … refuse to behave? I _dont_ think so … I was never spanked, and never needed it because I had rules, and I followed the rules because in the hosue there was no option to backtalk or not behave. We were punished by being sent to our room. No toys, books, radios, tvs … no distractions of any sort. Total silence, and it worked.
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### Author:  [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)
#### Post date: [January 26, 2009, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miraculously-turn-your-childs-behavior-around-in-one-minute/483075/16 "2009-01-26T22:59:15Z")
> [@Gus\_Gusterson](#):
>
> The ads I hear in my local radio market (Boston) are for [The Total Transformation Program](http://www.thetotaltransformation.com/).
That’s it - that’s the one I’ve heard locally as well.
> [@Gus Gusterson](#):
>
> The program gives you phrases and scripts to use. There is apparently a ten-word sentence that will get the kid to stop talking back instantly. (“I’m gonna rip off your head and shit down your neck.” Eleven words - that’s not it. I’ll keep looking.)
“I brought you into this world, I can take you out\*” - Nope, that’s eleven also.
\*Props to Bill Cosby.
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### Author:  [@dracoi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dracoi)
#### Post date: [January 26, 2009, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miraculously-turn-your-childs-behavior-around-in-one-minute/483075/17 "2009-01-26T22:59:24Z")
> [@Hampshire](#):
>
> That’s what I’m thinking it is. Some sort of 1-minute discipline technique. Each time the kid acts out you must use their technique that only takes 1-minute.
> Do it enough time and they promise your kid will change.
Virtually anything done consistently will change your kid’s behavior.
The problem parents have is that they aren’t consistent with anything. BF Skinner found with pigeons that inconsistent rewards create the hardest-to-extinguish behaviors compared to consistent reward or consistent punishment. So the parent who occasionally rewards a temper tantrum by giving in has just tripled the amount of work that will be required to unteach temper tantrums.
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### Author:  [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)
#### Post date: [January 26, 2009, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miraculously-turn-your-childs-behavior-around-in-one-minute/483075/18 "2009-01-26T23:37:12Z")
> [@Gus\_Gusterson](#):
>
> There is apparently a ten-word sentence that will get the kid to stop talking back instantly.
“You used to have a brother, but he talked back.”
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### Author:  [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)
#### Post date: [January 27, 2009, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miraculously-turn-your-childs-behavior-around-in-one-minute/483075/19 "2009-01-27T00:37:50Z")
> [@](#):
>
> You have to assume parental control. You need to give simple directions and quit asking your kids to do things. You tell them to do their homework versus asking them. You have to disconnect when disrespect occurs. When the scream starts, you walk away. There is no reasoning with your children. You are the boss (and there are scripts in the workbook that you can use). You need to lessen the stimulation in their lives. Give positive feedback when appropriate. If they do good, tell them. You can’t just be on their butts about all the negative behavior. You need to show them that good behavior gets them a much better response.
So basically the gist of this program is that the parent should clearly tell the child what they’re supposed to do, not reward bad behaviour, and reward positive behaviour.
And people pay for this. Christ, I got into the wrong racket. I didn’t know it was this easy to separate people from their money.
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### Author:  [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)
#### Post date: [January 27, 2009, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miraculously-turn-your-childs-behavior-around-in-one-minute/483075/20 "2009-01-27T02:56:57Z")
> [@Tom\_Tildrum](#):
>
> There’s a slogan: “Like Enzyte, but for kids!”
Clearly their theme song would be “I’m a Loner, Dottie, a Rebel” by the Get Up Kids.
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